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No. 381

BAHA’I YEAR 119

DECEMBER, 1962

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Hands in Holy Land Share Recent Glad Tidings

With thankful hearts (for the) unfailing protection (of the) beloved Guardian’s own history-making Crusade (we) share (the) glad tidings just received (from the) Central and East African Assembly. Over fifty-one thousand believers (in) this area. (There are) 763 assemblies, 665 groups (and) 587 centers, totaling over 2,000 localities. (The) Congo now leads (the) African continent with over thirty thousand Bahá’ís. (These) great victories challenge (the) body (of the) faithful (in both) East (and) West (to) arise (and) crown (their) own endeavors (in a) manner befitting (the) consummation (of the) Crusade (and the) celebration (of the) Most Great Jubilee next Riḍván. Share (this) message (with) all national assemblies.

Haifa, Israel, October 12, 1962

(Signed) HANDSFAITH

Overjoyed (to) share (with the) believers now racing (toward the) last lap (of the) beloved Guardian’s history-making Crusade (the) thrilling news (of the) latest achievements (in) mass conversion (in the) Indian subcontinent where almost thirty thousand have entered (the) fold (of the) Faith since Riḍván, raising (the) total (to) above forty-two thousand. 528 local assemblies (are) now established (with) 705 groups (and) 294 centers, totaling 1,527 localities throughout (the) country. Glorious victories recently won (by the) communities (of the) Most Great Name (in) India (and) Africa challenge (the) entire Bahá’í world (to) one last mighty effort (to) achieve distinction (in the) all-important teaching field ere (the) precious, unique, globe-girdling Plan draws (to a) close. Airmail message (to) Hands (and) national assemblies.

Haifa, Israel, November 7, 1962

(Signed) HANDSFAITH

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COMMENTARY

Dear Friends:

Three messages from the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land are being shared with the believers. The two cablegrams tell of exciting new victories in Africa and India, which because of the rapid progress of the Faith in those areas will be out of date by the time this issue is off the press.

Their essential message is to spur us on to greater achievement on our own home front. India and Africa are the examples. Ours is the opportunity, in these closing months, to add to the luster of prizes already won.

The third message from the Hands, being of greater length, is included as an insert with this issue. It carefully reviews the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi pertaining to the Most Great Jubilee and the election of the Universal House of Justice. “The celebration of the Most Great Jubilee marks the end of a century — the greatest century this planet has ever seen, or will see, for a period of five hundred thousand years ...”

Therefore the Hands are urging appropriate celebrations locally, nationally and internationally. The National Spiritual Assembly has already provided for a series of meetings throughout the United States on the week end of May 25-26, at which will be shared the joy, the enthusiasm and the information made available at the World Congress in London. Additional local and national observances will be encouraged, and provision made for them.

—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

[Page 2]

European Summer Schools Drew Large Groups of Enthusiastic Youth and Adults

German School held at Gauting, Munich. August 1962.

First Youth School in Portugal, September 1962.

Seventh Annual Austrian Summer School, 1962.

[Page 3] First Italian Summer School, September 1962.

In the past many summer schools have been held in various European countries. This year, some of the new national communities which came into existence at Riḍván have had the joy and privilege of sponsoring their own individual schools.

BELGIUM — With an attendance of about eighty from Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, England, Morocco and the various cities and towns of Belgium, this first school of the new national community was held at the Hotel Cicogne, Marche-en-Famenne in the Ardennes, August 4-13. An excellent program was provided, and a fine spirit demonstrated throughout the sessions. Hand of the Cause Adelbert Mühlschlegel was present for several days, adding to the happiness and knowledge of the friends. While at the school, eight people declared their acceptance of the Faith.

A Unity Banquet marked the last evening. Among those attending were representatives from the Marche Tourist Bureau and from the national newspaper La Meuse. The paper then published a short but accurate article on the Faith and the school.

ITALY — A total of 141 Bahá’ís, from a score of Italian centers and from Switzerland, France, Germany and other countries, contributed to the great success of the first Italian Summer School, held September 8-15 on the sands of the beautiful Adriatic near Rimini. Non-Bahá’ís also participated in some of the classes.

Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery took an active part in the program, including a talk on “The Historical, Religious and Literary Work of Shoghi Effendi.” In remarks at the opening session of the school, Dr. Giachery made this encouraging statement: “We have come here because we are animated by our zeal to teach. When Italy’s National Spiritual Assembly was born this year, a new spirit was born. As is happening in Panama and Bolivia, the reception to the Faith will leap ahead in Italy.”

PORTUGAL — The first Youth Summer School under the auspices of the National Youth Committee of Portugal drew forty young people, representing all of the local assemblies. The theme, “Preparing for Mass Conversion,” imbued the youth with great enthusiasm and many of them are now actively engaged in bringing about the realization of the theme. Results are already evident, showing that the young people were on the right track.

On the evening before the school a hall in Almada was the site of a social for the youth and their contacts. Fifty-two guests enjoyed this opportunity to become better acquainted with the Bahá’í youth, who themselves

First Belgian Summer School, August 1962.

A class, including contacts, at Italy’s school.

[Page 4] prepared all of the refreshments. Local attendance at firesides immediately increased, many parents now attending with neighbors. In addition the non-Bahá’í parents of one of the youth offered their home for firesides, which opened another village to the Faith.

AUSTRIA — The seventh annual Summer School, held this year from August 25 to September 2 at Treffling in the famous resort area of Karinthia, was attended or visited by a total of 125 people from six countries. Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel participated in the program, as did members of the German and Austrian National Assemblies and other Persian and German friends. Lectures, delivered in German and in many cases translated into Persian, focussed on such themes as the relation of the Bahá’í Faith to older religions, the unfoldment of the Administrative Order, Bahá’í principles and history, particularly with regard to the status of women and events recorded in The Dawn-Breakers.

In connection with the school, a widely advertised public meeting was held in the neighboring town of Spittal. Many contacts were made with vacationers in the area, where there are as yet no resident believers, as well as with the local people.

One evening a memorable program of Persian and western songs was provided by the Bahá’í opera singer, Faraḥ Afyatpúr, and her sister Rúḥí.

New NSA of Belgium Achieves Incorporation

Another Crusade goal has been attained by the incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Belgium as a Non-Profit Organization on June 4, 1962. However, in order to achieve this goal it was necessary for the local Spiritual Assembly of Brussels to permanently relinquish its incorporated status. The modification of statute was duly published on July 26 in Moniteur Beige.

National Incorporation Marks Another Crusade Accomplishment in Colombia

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Colombia, South America, has successfully completed legal incorporation and has received the official papers. Since this accomplishes one of the Crusade goals, the Colombian believers are filled with joy and thanksgiving.

Bahá’í Holy Days Recognized

The Spiritual Assemblies of Jefferson County, Colorado, Webster Groves, Missouri, and Austin, Texas, have recently reported that permission has been granted for Bahá’í children to be excused from classes on Bahá’í Holy Days.

There are now eighty-two districts in twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia where Bahá’í Holy Days are recognized by school authorities through official action.

National Convention of Guatemala Rises Above Perilous Conditions

The 1962 convention in Guatemala was held under very trying conditions. The country was in a state of revolution and all evening sessions had to be cancelled. One National Assembly member was forced off a bus, which was then overturned and burned. Bombs were set off in all parts of the city so that it was dangerous to be on the streets.

In spite of this, fifty believers attended the convention, whose wonderful spirit made the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, where the sessions were held, seem like another country. All those present were enveloped in a spirit of unity, resolved to make this a better world in which to live.

First Guahibo Indians Enroll in Venezuela

The declaration of thirty-five Guahibos in the Indian village of La Nueva Era marked the successful culmination of four visits in the course of a year by pioneers Dr. Israel Posner and Peter McLaren to the difficult interior jungle region of the Amazon Territory.

As reported earlier, the Indians and the pioneers built a school which has since become the center of all village activities. It is used for classes during the visits of the pioneers, who teach basic Bahá’í ideas, reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, the Venezuelan monetary system and simple methods for improvement of agriculture. The teachers have studied the Guahibo language and have made up a Guahibo-Spanish dictionary with more than 470 words. Three Bahá’í prayers have been translated into Guahibo. An attempt is being made to teach the Spanish language to the Indians since it will be very necessary for their future development.

The historic declaration of the first Guahibos in Venezuela does not signify that the project has ended, but rather that it has just begun. It is hoped that a pioneer can be established in the vicinity of La Nueva Era in order to help the new Indian Bahá’ís to become an example of spiritual and material progress which will attract the attention of all the natives of that region.

Some of the new Guahibo believers of La Nueva Era, Venezuela, at the local Bahá’í school.

[Page 5] Believers and their guests at the fiftieth anniversary of the Master’s visit to the United States, held at Davison Bahá’í School in Michigan on September 2.

Fiftieth Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit to U.S. Observed at Davison School

Gentle breezes through maple and pine trees and soft sunshine made an afternoon of unsurpassed beauty as 250 Bahá’ís and their friends gathered outdoors on September 2 to hear Allen Ward speak of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s journeys and teaching in America fifty years ago. Even the children seemed to sense the feeling of the occasion and were unbelievably quiet. As they came together in this favorite spot at Davison Bahá’í School, many of the friends recalled the hours spent there with pioneers who are now scattered throughout the world.

The attentive audience gained a new knowledge and understanding of the Master, transmitted through the speaker but gleaned from those who were with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá or who heard Him talk during His historic travels in the United States.

Hands Cable on Passing of Clara Wood

“Supplicating (at) Shrines rich reward (for) devoted (and) steadfast old believer Clara Wood (whose) services (at the) National Center (are) unforgettable.”

(Signed) HANDSFAITH

The foregoing cablegram from the Hands of the Faith in the Holy Land, dated September 27, was received in time to be read at the funeral services for Mrs. Clara Reed Wood, who passed away in Wilmette, Illinois, September 24, only a few weeks before her ninetieth birthday.

The Real Triumphs A letter from the Guardian through his secretary to the National Area Teaching Committees on July 17, 1950, states: “He feels you should do your utmost to call the attention of the friends to ... large things and real triumphs, and away from their personal differences and petty preoccupations. Now is certainly not the time for any man to think of himself, or busy himself with the weaknesses of his brother; but rather each and every Bahá’í must concentrate on the tasks ahead and be reborn in the service of Bahá’u’lláh.”

Mrs. Wood will be remembered with affection by many Bahá’ís throughout the world as having served as manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Committee at National Administrative Headquarters in Wilmette from 1940 to 1952. Prior to moving to Wilmette, Mrs. Wood had charge of Bahá’í publishing work in New York for many years.

Chicago Youth Commemorate the Master’s Visit to Hull House

On October 14, the fiftieth anniversary of the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Hull House, renowned Chicago social-service establishment, the youth members of the Chicago Bahá’í community held a proclamation meeting in that historical institution. The event was designed to attract non-Bahá’í young people from various youth organizations, while at the same time commemorating the Master’s visit.

A beautifully framed picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and an equally beautiful parchment scroll of His prayer for all mankind were presented to the director of Hull House, who, in his acknowledgment, stated: “We feel that there is a common concept of service to mankind and expression of brotherhood between the work of Jane Addams and that of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. We only hope that we at Hull House can carry on the work in the same spirit.”

[Page 6]

KEEPING FAITH

By Garreta Busey

The first century of the Bahá’í Faith is drawing to a close and a glance at its history since Bahá’u’lláh left the Garden of Riḍván bears out the popular maxim. The first hundred years are the hardest. During this time, by the power of the Greatest Name, the Bahá’ís have done what it took Christianity more than nineteen centuries to accomplish: the Faith has been taught in all the world. Thousands of pioneers have gone forth; the Writings have been translated into more than two hundred and ninety-six languages; fifty-six national assemblies have been established; Houses of Worship have been built on the five continents; and the World Center shines radiant on Mount Carmel, a benediction to mankind. But the last few months of this glorious century find us working feverishly to clear the record. A trust has been committed to our hands by the beloved Guardian, and the time has come to render an account.

Upon our faithfulness to this trust depend, not only the immediate fortunes of the Faith, but also the wellbeing of mankind. We know that the world is sick unto death and that this is the remedy, which we, and we alone, can apply, and we must do it now, before the patient dies. We hasten to proclaim the Teachings and rejoice in every soul who accepts them. But sometimes as we read the Writings, we are brought up short by the thought that to make known the prescription is not enough. We must be the remedy. Every true Bahá’í is a healthy cell in the body of mankind — may they rapidly increase! — and every healthy cell is a step in the recovery of the patient. But we are more then mere cells added together in a body. We are the bearers of the life-giving Spirit and, being ourselves healed, communicate health.

“Whoso ariseth among you to teach the Cause of his Lord,” Bahá’u’lláh warns us, “let him, before all else, teach his own self that his speech may attract the hearts of them that hear him ... Take heed, O people, lest ye be of them that give good counsel to others but forget to follow it themselves.” In another place He says: “They who are the people of God have no ambition except to revive the world, to ennoble its life, and regenerate its peoples. Truthfulness and good-will have, at all times, marked their relations with all men. Their outward conduct is but a reflection of their inward life, and their inward life a mirror of their outward conduct.”

Observing the Virtues

It is easy in a Bahá’í gathering to be friendly and loving and without prejudice, but no part of the Bahá’í life can be isolated from the rest, and some of the sterner virtues require greater stamina. Perhaps there is no more searching command in the Writings than that in The Hidden Words: “Ponder this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee to be.” Among the many beautiful passages that tell us how we ought to be, one of the most arresting is Bahá’u’lláh’s succinct statement of the foundation of the Bahá’í character in Section CXXXIV of the Gleanings: “The virtues and attributes pertaining unto God are all evident and manifest, and have been mentioned and described in all the heavenly Books. Among them are trustworthiness, truthfulness, purity of heart while communing with God, forbearance, resignation to whatever the Almighty hath decreed, contentment with the things His Will hath provided, patience, nay thankfulness in the midst of tribulation, and complete reliance, in all circumstances, upon Him. These rank, according to the estimate of God, among the highest and most laudable of all acts. All other acts are, and will ever remain, secondary and subordinate unto them ...”

Significantly enough, the first of these virtues to be mentioned is trustworthiness, for this is the cornerstone of society. Trustworthiness, or integrity, is an old-fashioned virtue not much mentioned in these days of disintegration. It isn’t fashionable any longer, for instance, to tell such stories as that of Abraham Lincoln walking several miles to restore a few cents to a customer. But integrity was one of the first things Bahá’u’lláh taught to the already debased Bábís in Baghdád after His Revelation in the Síyáh-Chál. It is stressed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Tablets, and it is dwelt on by the beloved Guardian in The Advent of Divine Justice as one of the three most important characteristics which must distinguish Bahá’ís from the rest of the world.

“Such a rectitude of conduct,” Shoghi Effendi admonishes us, “must manifest itself, with ever increasing potency, in every verdict which the elected representatives of the Bahá’í community, in whatever capacity they may find themselves, may be called upon to pronounce. It must be constantly reflected in the business dealings of all its members, in their domestic lives, in all manner of employment, and in any service they may, in the future, render their government or people.” He goes on to trace, in this paragraph, the importance of integrity all the way through the Bahá’í Administrative Order up to the Universal House of Justice, until we realize that on the trustworthiness of individual Bahá’ís and their elected assemblies depends the prestige and the soundness of the Faith. Without it the Covenant would have no meaning and the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh would come to naught.

Trustworthiness is easy enough to take for granted in ourselves. We wouldn’t steal a dime, but — “I owe a small debt and keep forgetting it, even though I’ve had several reminders. I’ll pay it sometime, of course.” ... “I promised to do a job of work, but I was so happy talking with the friends over a cup of coffee that I didn’t get there, and I forgot to let them know. I expect they found someone else.” ... “I volunteered to help with a public meeting, but I got a ride out of town and never thought about getting a substitute. I knew some Bahá’í would carry on.” ... “I promised to move to a goal city and took part in good faith in setting up an assembly, but I’m waiting a while before I actually move. Somebody else may go.”

What a satisfaction it would be if, in writing a letter of recommendation, one could say without hesitation: “He’s a Bahá’í; therefore I can guarantee that he is

[Page 7] dependable and trustworthy.” How smooth would be the working of our Administrative Order if all Bahá’ís were reliable!

Fulfilling What We Promise

Our lapses are due to forgetfulness and slackness, or else to a zeal that leads us to promise too much and miscalculate our time and strength, or sometimes to humility, the feeling that we are not very important, that others will probably do the thing much better. But we have promised, and the true seeker, says Bahá’u’lláh, will not “promise that which he doth not fulfill.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in a Tablet to the Persian believers in general about their conduct in government positions, puts it in terms so strong as to be startling: “But if ... I seek refuge in God ... any one betray the least of trusts or neglect and be remiss in the performance of duties which are intrusted to him, or by ‎oppresssion oppression‎ takes one penny of extortion from the subjects, or seeks after his own personal, selfish aims and ends in the attainment of his own interests, he shall undoubtedly remain deprived of the outpourings of His Highness the Almighty! Beware! Beware! lest ye fall short in that which ye are commanded in this Tablet!” Because the Persian Bahá’ís heeded this warning, they became famous for their integrity in positions of trust.

Trustworthiness is not a showy virtue. It does not make one an eloquent speaker or cause one to scintillate at a fireside, though the brilliant teacher must also possess it. It may at times keep one in the background washing dishes, or addressing envelopes, or merely fulfilling an obligation to a non-Bahá’í employer. Among our trustworthy ones are many unsung heroes of the Cause. A community whose members are reliable has a sense of peace and security in the knowledge that what it undertakes will be well carried through.

Christ said: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” In this Day the great treasure which has been entrusted to us is the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, and the Covenant is the deed of trust. It has come down to us from the hands of the Báb, the Exalted One, from the Blessed Beauty, from the Master, and the beloved Guardian, all of Whom endured untold sufferings daily and sacrificed every moment of their lives to serve it. In accepting the Covenant, we have taken upon ourselves the responsibility for the safety of the world, a responsibility which would be unendurable had we not also been entrusted with the means to discharge it, for we in ourselves are nothing. Our wealth, be it great or small, our strength, our abilities, our education, our very lives, all have been given us by God in trust, to be used for His purpose and yielded up at His demand. (If we could realize this, the Fund, for instance, would long since have been over-subscribed.) And so trustworthiness means detachment and self-abnegation, obedience, purity of heart and reliance on God. How all the Teachings merge when we begin to ponder them in our hearts and try to practice them in our lives!

Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin (left) and Mrs. Helen Archambault obtain World Peace Day proclamation from Governor John H. Reed of Maine.

Four Wisconsin believers were present when Governor Nelson signed his World Peace Day proclamation.

Ohio Bahá’ís with Governor Michael DiSalle at the time he signed the World Peace Day proclamation.

Bahá’ís of Maryland receive World Peace Day proclamation from Edmund Mester, administrative assistant to Governor J. Millard Tawes.

[Page 8]

Faith Reaches Multitudes in South-East Asia

Some notable “firsts” in Borneo. Upper left: Chief Moyan of Lutong Long House, a Sea Dayak, Bakong, Sarawak. Lower left: Lim Chin Chun, first Chinese Bahá’í in Bakong. Center: Chief Lagang (left), one of the first Iban chiefs to accept the Faith in Medamit, Sarawak, with pioneer Jamshid Maoni. Right: Data Gadong (black uniform) of Tutong, Brunei, first Dusan chief to enroll.

A group of Sea Dayak (Iban) believers who live in Lubai, Sarawak, Borneo.

Holding the Greatest Name is Mr. Kula, first Sea Dayak to enroll in Medamit, Sarawak.

These believers of Moyan Long House, Bakong, Sarawak, are Sea Dayaks or Ibans.

Sea Dayak Bahá’ís, Gani Long House, Limbang, Sarawak, with pioneers Yankee Leong and Jamshid Maoni.

[Page 9] Part of the audience of three hundred at a public meeting in Ba-xuyen, South Vietnam, August 1962, and the “banderole” across the main street, announcing the event.

BLESSED IS THE SPOT, and the house, and the place, and the city, and the heart, and the mountain, and the refuge, and the cave, and the valley, and the land, and the sea, and the island, and the meadow where mention of God hath been made, and His praise glorified. —Bahá’u’lláh

BORNEO

The tremendous surge of victories in Sarawak and parts of Brunei — many in remote regions — is a source of great encouragement to the Bahá’ís, including the native tribal believers. In the words of a Bahá’í reporter, “the speed of these victories excels any so far achieved in this whole fruitful region of South-East Asia, and bids fair to rival India’s surge toward the palm of victory.”

Within the last four months 6,000 new believers and fifty new local assemblies have come under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh in Brunei and Sarawak. Among these new friends are three Dusun Great Chiefs in Brunei; a Chief of the Baram Nation, two Dayak Chiefs and twenty village Chiefs, all in Sarawak. This enormous teaching effort has been under the direction of the National Teaching Committee of Borneo, aided by the financial resources of the Regional Assembly of South-East Asia. Most responsible for this great success are two pioneers, Yankee Leong and Jamshid Maoni — the latter also having brought ten villages into the Faith in Mentawei.

THAILAND

Due to increased teaching activity, especially by traveling young people, there are now believers from one end of the country to the other. Within two months the enrollment doubled and twenty new provinces and villages were added to the number of centers where Bahá’ís reside.

The Spiritual Assembly of Bangkok has been registered with the government, which allows the friends to carry on their work with renewed vigor. The great

In Cantho, South Vietnam, a “banderole” was used to advertise a large meeting in July.

Left: Segment of the audience numbering over a thousand at the Cantho meeting. Right: Local dignitaries who presided at the meeting, two of whom accepted the Faith soon afterward.

[Page 10] High in the mountains south of Kuala Lumpur, Malaya, lives this Sakai aboriginal family, visited by some of the friends who attended the Seremban School.

amount of publicity in Bangkok has made the Faith a favorite subject of discussion, and has brought an increasing number of inquirers to the Center. Even in the provinces the people have been awakened.

VIETNAM

The following information has been gleaned from an account received from Jamshed Fozdar of Saigon, who tells graphically of the progress of the Faith since it first became known in Vietnam eight years ago.

The Cause numbers some 3,000 adherents and possesses several institutions, including three schools, six Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, a number of endowments and its own Bahá’í News with a monthly circulation of over 3,000. In addition, the Faith is recognized as one of the great religions of the country and enjoys the admiration of a substantial portion of the population.

Last Riḍván there were forty-four assemblies with a total of 2,300 believers. Now the number of assemblies stands at seventy-seven. Another development is that those recently entering the cause are leaders of religious and social groups. Throughout the teaching work concentration has been upon the Buddhists, who comprise ninety per cent of the population. The Bahá’ís are able to show them, from the Buddhist Holy Scriptures, that Bahá’u’lláh is the Metreya Buddha awaited by them for over 2,000 years, who is promised to usher in an age of universal peace.

For the last two years almost all of the teaching has been done by Vietnamese Bahá’ís. In only a few instances have the pioneers located in Saigon had the opportunity to speak to the masses, and then merely for the sake of prestige and to demonstrate the international aspect of the Faith. These appearances by the pioneers were made only after the Vietnamese had worked out their publicity campaign, arranged for the theater or hall and obtained the sanction of the local authorities for holding a public meeting.

Keeping in mind the victories won so far, the Bahá’ís have set a goal of one hundred assemblies and 10,000 believers before next Riḍván.

Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Passes Away in New Zealand

The Faith lost a devoted servant with the passing in Auckland, New Zealand, on September 18 of Mrs. Dulcie Burns Dive, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh and valiant pioneer to the Cook Islands.

Mrs. Dive, after working with her own community in Auckland, moved to Australia, where she was active in the teaching work and served for some years on the National Assembly of Australia and New Zealand. When the Guardian called for pioneers to settle virgin areas Mrs. Dive left for the Pacific islands, where her services were invaluable. She served on the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the South Pacific from the time it was formed in 1959 until her death.

Upsurge of Teaching in the South Pacific

Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone was scheduled to visit many of the territories during October. Included in his itinerary were: New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Fiji, Tonga, Western and Eastern Samoa. Since this would be Mr. Featherstone’s last opportunity to travel in the Pacific area before the close of the Crusade, the friends planned to make the most of this great impetus to the teaching work.

* * *

Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Elena Fernie made an extended teaching trip to the Samoa Islands during the fall. On three successive evenings at the public library in Apia, Western Samoa, she gave the first public talks on the Faith in these islands. Much interest was shown at each of these well-attended meetings. In fact the demand from the public was so great that three additional meetings were arranged. A number of people, including the brother of one of the heads of state, are now investigating further. Everyone seems to be talking about the Faith, and the Minister of Broadcasting asked that Bahá’í books be presented to the cabinet.

While in Western Samoa Mrs. Fernie visited a number of villages, bringing the Faith to the attention of many people.

In American Samoa, following a talk by Mrs. Fernie in Pago Pago, eight people declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh. This devoted teacher made other visits in this area, including one to a village chief. In each instance the principles of the Faith were presented and the listeners urged to seek out the truth for themselves.

* * *

The Island Teaching Committee held an all-Samoa conference during August at Fasito’otai, Western Samoa, with about twenty-five participants. Considerable time was devoted to teaching methods and mass conversion, although one day was given to actual teaching. By special bus the whole conference went to a village where they welcomed new believers and encouraged the friends in the formation of an assembly. A high note of the day was the enrollment of Chief Tupuloa, traditional head of the family.

During the conference the believers learned that through the efforts of teachers visiting in remote villages twenty-six believers were enrolled and three new areas opened in a single month. In one place there were sufficient believers for another local assembly.

The conferees pledged greater victories in the coming months, and left the conference “fully convinced

[Page 11] that mass conversion was possible in Samoa.”

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Increased teaching activity is being carried out in other sections of the vast South Pacific region — New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Gilbert Islands, Fiji Islands and Tonga.

First Proclamation to Indians of Oklahoma

Sponsored by the Rogers (Arkansas) Assembly, a “Prayer Pow Wow for all of God’s people” took place October 20-21 at Honey Creek State Park, a tree-studded point jutting into beautiful Lake-of-the-Cherokees in Oklahoma. Registration started Saturday afternoon as Bahá’ís and guests arrived from a five-state area, some having driven 400 miles. After a wiener roast, greetings were read from the National Assembly, from the Cherokee (N.C.) Bahá’ís — pioneer Ethel Murray, Minnie Feather and Ethel Jumper — and from Governor J. Howard Edmondson of Oklahoma.

Hand of the Cause Zikru’lláh Khádem then addressed the gathering. Later, all joined in a get-acquainted period which included campfire singing in many languages by both adults and children, and guitar music furnished by two Cherokees. Evening devotions included the reading of a prayer by the first Indian believer of the state, and concluded with chanting by Mr. Khádem.

In spite of an icy drizzle and a cold wind, the friends spent the night in sleeping bags, tents, cars and a rustic shelter around which the conference centered. Some even took refuge under an army surplus parachute, brought along for that purpose. As their tired elders prepared for bed, a large group of young people organized an impromptu dance.

Prayers at sunrise around the campfire were an inspiring start on Sunday. After the inclement weather of Saturday night, the bright sun added to the warmth and cheer already present in the hearts. Following an ample breakfast, several hours were devoted to visiting and discussion. At mid-morning the official program began.

Mr. Khádem spoke glowingly of his experiences in teaching the Bahá’í Faith. He told of his great love, and of the love of all Bahá’ís, for members of the red-skinned race. Although Indians in the area are usually shy and retiring, a number of them responded to Mr. Khádem’s invitation to introduce themselves and say a few words to the gathering. Other speakers were Mrs. Nancy Dobbins of Fort Worth, Albert Felker of Joplin and Gordon Laite of Kansas City.

Although many more Indians had been expected, those who came responded so warmly to the love bestowed upon them that it seemed as though the meeting took on the light of the sun which shone so brightly after the threatening clouds. Of the one hundred who signed the guest book, one-fifth were Indians — members of the Cherokee or Navajo Tribes. Others attending were Persian, Syrian, Negro, Caucasian and one native of India.

It is hoped that similar proclamation gatherings

Some of the participants gathered around a campfire at the Oklahoma conference in October.

can be held throughout Oklahoma, and that the need for settlers to this area may be filled. A great bounty surely awaits those who settle in the state, known formerly as Indian Territory, in which live one-third of the nation’s Indian population. The majority of these people do not reside within the boundaries of a reservation, but have been integrated into the general community and live much as do their white neighbors, although often on a lower economic level.

Delegates Contacted at Indian Congress

The National Congress of American Indians, meeting in the early fall on the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina, attracted nation-wide interest through the press. The following are excerpts from a letter written by Mrs. Ethel Murray, first Bahá’í pioneer to move to a reservation (Cherokee) during the Crusade:

“It is with a grateful heart that I tell you that Bahá’u’lláh enabled me to contact a few of the Indian delegates to the National Congress of American Indians held here recently. I was able to give literature to one from Connecticut, one from the Blackfoot Tribe, one from the Yakima Tribe and to an Indian woman from Wisconsin who had been to firesides and had seen the Temple.

“Also I was able to talk a moment with Walter Wetzel, President of the Congress, who said he would like me to send him some literature ... I have since mailed him seven pieces ... Mr. Wetzel was elected for another two years, and our Chief here was elected Vice-Chief.”

Hands Expel Pioneers in Panama Canal Zone

On September 27, 1962, the Hands of the Faith in the Holy Land cabled the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States as follows: “Owing (to) support (of) Remey, Yvonne and James Barrett (have been) expelled (from the) Faith. All association (and) correspondence (with them) forbidden. Share message (with) all Latin American national assemblies.” (Signed) HANDSFAITH

Mr. and Mrs. Barrett had been American pioneers for the Faith in the Panama Canal Zone for some years.

[Page 12] Eight members of the first Spiritual Assembly of Aachen, Germany, formed 1962. Left to right: Soheil Farzar, Fariboes Manutschehri, Keramat Derakschan, Miss Martha Bauer (secretary), Manutschehr Djame, Faramars Mehrain (chairman), Bidjan Nabet, Huschmand Manutschehri (vice-chairman).

First Spiritual Assembly of Leinfelden, Germany, formed 1962. Left to right, seated: Mrs. Ursula Schubert, Mrs. Tuba Sabet, Massih Sabet. Standing: Dieter Schubert, Huschmand Sabet (chairman), Mrs. Elisabeth Muhlschlegel, Farhang Sabet, Robert Schultheiss (secretary), Peter Muhlschlegel (vice-chairman).

First Spiritual Assembly of Essen, Germany, formed 1962. Left to right, seated: Miss L. Einert, Miss Farahmand, Miss Farahmand, Mrs. H. Setareh, Mrs. Hakimi. Standing: Dr. S. Faridani, Dr. M. Setareh, Dr. E. Yasdani, Mr. Hakimi.

Spiritual Assembly of Norwich, Norfolk, England, incorporated January 19, 1962. Left to right, seated: James Forsythe (chairman), Ethel Bird, Evelyn Bowman (secretary), Evelyn Hardy. Standing: Jack Attfield, Margaret Attfield, Derek Holmes, Donna Cheek, Robert Cheek (treasurer).

First National Spiritual Assembly of Belgium, 1962-1963. Left to right, seated: Fernand Gillain, Mrs. Elsa deKoninck, Mrs. Lea Nys (secretary), Hasan-Ali Kamran. Standing: Robert Hubar (recording secretary), Shoghi Ghadimi, Benjamin Levy (assistant secretary), Adolphe de Couvreur (treas.), Louis Henuzet (chair.).

National Spiritual Assembly of Guatemala, 1962-1963. Left to right: Alberto Landau (treasurer), Elmerene Neff, Trinidad Gramajo (secretary), Harold Neff (vice-chairman), Alice Sinclair, Louise Caswell, Dale Sinclair, Artemus Lamb (chairman), Manuel Agueda.

[Page 13] The spacious Bahá’í Booth at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, August 18-September 4, provided an unequalled opportunity for the presentation of the Faith. 300-400 people a day — from all parts of Canada, the United States and countries as distant as Australia — stopped to make inquiries. Approximately 15,000 pamphlets were distributed.

Intermountain Summer Conference at Snow Pine Lodge, Alta, Utah, July 28-August 4. The registration was about twenty-five, and the evening programs attracted additional nearby believers and contacts.

The Bahá’í community of Genoa, Italy, on the occasion of the annual “Children’s Party” which honors the children’s class.

Youth class sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Pierce County District No. 3, Washington, at its first session on September 9. Bahá’í youth attended from a number of nearby areas.

Youth panel, including a Korean, a Persian and a Latin-American, which presented the program at a fireside in Evanston, Illinois.

Bahá’í Booth at the University of Kansas Activities Fair held in the Student Union on campus in September. Great interest was evinced and much literature was requested. Shown are Frances Bradley and Mahin Omidvaran who, with Dean Booker and Chris Ruhe, answered the many questions which were asked.

[Page 14] National Institute held in Amarillo, Texas, September 22-23, with believers from Texas and New Mexico — the largest number ever to gather in Amarillo. John McHenry was coordinator.

Consolidation Institute held in Gallup, New Mexico, September 22-23. Amoz Gibson led the discussion while John Nelson acted as interpreter because of the Navajo Indians who attended.

Navajo Bahá’ís at the Gallup Conference.

Ninety-Eight Institutes Staged Throughout the United States

During the last week end in September and first week end in October the American National Teaching Committee of the United States sponsored ninety-eight institutes in forty-seven states, attended by approximately 3,100 Bahá’ís. The three-fold purpose of these conferences was to share Bahá’í love and fellowship, to consult prayerfully on ways and means for consolidating and expanding Bahá’í communities through more dynamic proclamation of the Faith, and to call forth the singleness of purpose, dedication and sacrifice necessary in these final days of the beloved Guardian’s World Crusade to usher in the longed-for stage of mass conversion on the home front.

Each Bahá’í in attendance at the institutes was provided at a small charge with an excellent reference file of material dealing with “consolidation, teaching and expansion” of the Faith, covering such topics as: the Covenant; teaching as a personal spiritual obligation and its application to the needs of the hour; the divine authority and functions of the institutions of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh; the obligatory laws; fireside teaching; enrollment of new believers, and deepening in knowledge and understanding of the Faith.

Besides highlighting and directing consultation on the various subjects, which the friends were urged to study in greater detail on their return home, the conference leaders outlined the general proclamation program adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly for the year, and displayed samples of materials available for use in the local press, on radio and television, and for library and other types of displays.

Emphasis was also placed upon the supreme necessity of preserving all the “spiritual prizes” won during the several teaching plans directed by the beloved Guardian, not only by a “rapid increase in the number of avowed supporters” of the Faith in all communities, but also through dispersal from the larger centers to goal cities, small and weak communities, and the settlement of pioneers on Indian reservations and in areas of the country having large Negro populations.

Both the institute leaders and the host communities were asked to furnish the American National Teaching Committee and the National Assembly with their evaluation of these meetings. The communities were almost unanimous in their feeling that, besides being inspirational and enlightening, the institutes clarified many questions in the minds of the friends as to their individual obligations as Bahá’ís, their individual relationship to the various institutions of the Faith, and their responsibility for the success of the Divine Plan. They also commented that the consultation revealed the need for deeper study and broader comprehension of Bahá’í administration and its purpose.

An excellent spirit of enthusiasm, fellowship and Bahá’í love prevailed at all sessions, and the leaders for the most part were happy with the degree to which the friends participated in consultation on all the subjects lending themselves to discussion.

Many of the believers, both new and older members, expressed special appreciation of the authentic reference material which had been included in the institute booklets.

[Page 15]

Bahá’í International Community Represented at Federalists’ Conference

On invitation of the World Association of World Federalists, Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, Mrs. Louise Wold and Mrs. Martha Kavelin represented the Bahá’í International Community at a round-table discussion in New York, October 11-13, on the topic: “Impact on the United Nations of Increased Membership.” All of the five plenary sessions were followed by two-hour discussion groups which concerned themselves primarily with the question of the possible effect upon the United Nations of the emerging African nations and the importance of non-governmental organizations in molding public opinion with respect to world peace.

Several of the World Federalists who had learned of the Faith at other meetings expressed appreciation of the presence of Bahá’í representatives at this gathering, particularly in view of the fact that only a very small percentage of the hundred or more international non-governmental organizations who promised to participate did so.

As has been the case in the previous conferences held by the World Association of World Federalists, the value of the presence of Bahá’ís at this round-table discussion was that it enhanced the good will already established with that organization and provided opportunity to follow up the earlier contacts with important persons and to acquaint new ones with the Faith. Dr. Chris N. van Wijngaarden, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the World Federalists, resident in the Netherlands, has always appreciated the interest shown by the Bahá’ís in the work of the World Federalists. Again, at this conference it was possible to discuss the Faith with a number of prominent persons during the luncheon and dinner recesses.

CORRECTION The message from the Hands to the annual conventions (Insert, BAHÁ’Í NEWS, May 1962) contains an error. The last word in the first line of the final paragraph should be “eight” — not “eighteen.” Believers are asked to correct their copies.

Mrs. Martha Kavelin, who sent the report to BAHÁ’Í NEWS on behalf of the representatives, emphasized the decision of the conference that the international non-governmental organizations do indeed play a very important role in creating an atmosphere for the future peace of the world and in molding public opinion.

International News Briefs

The following extract from a letter written by Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone to the National Assembly of Australia is taken from the Bahá’í Bulletin of Australia:

“After prayerful consideration I feel I must ask the National Spiritual Assembly to please accept my resignation as a member of the Assembly as of September 16. This will relieve me of the dual role of being both a Hand and a National Assembly member and I believe will enable a closer application of the spirit of the beloved Guardian’s message of June 4, 1957 ...”

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Pioneers in Augaro, Eritrea, have been having success in teaching the Faith among the Kunemas, a pagan tribe in the area. Groups of tribesmen gather to listen eagerly to talks about the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. At one of these gatherings the priest, the sheikh and other village officials were present and showed interest in the discussion.

This Bahá’í Summer School of Korea, August 1962, was only one phase of the teaching work which has brought in new believers and made additional local assemblies possible.

Central States Area Youth Conference held at the Wilmette Temple, October 6-7. The Deerfield believers acted as hosts. One hundred youth and their guests attended the Saturday evening social.

[Page 16] Under the auspices of the National Teaching Committee for the Flemish area of Belgium, and with the cooperation of the local Bahá’í group, the first public meeting in Ostend was held on August 25. Over seventy guests attended and by remarkable effort friends from Brussels, Antwerp, Charleroi and Liege were also present. Local newspapers carried several items of publicity.

〇

Fifty-one members of the Navajo Indian Tribe in the United States have enrolled in the Faith since June 1, many as a result of the Pine Springs Conference held at that time. Including those believers who were enrolled earlier in the Crusade, a total of sixty-six Navajos are now Bahá’ís.

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A television station in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has on several occasions given the local assembly an opportunity to participate, along with other religious groups, in a program which gives the believers an opportunity to present the Faith. Each group is notified by the studio when to appear and is given about five minutes, free of charge, to make its presentation.

Baha’i Publishing Trust

Bahá’í Calendar, 1963. For this year of the Most Great Jubilee a beautiful drawing of the Temple in Wilmette has been prepared by Gordon Laite, well-known Kansas City artist. All Feast and Holy Days are identified in separate colors. Additional information is given on the back, showing days on which work should be suspended and including a letter from Shoghi Effendi with directives on various observances of Holy Days and Anniversaries. Size 8½ x 12.

Per copy	$ .25
10 copies	$2.00
25 copies	$4.50
50 copies	$7.50

Minimum mail order (which can include other items) is $3.00 on community orders; $1.00 for an isolated individual.

NOTE: Standing orders within the U.S. will NOT be sent on above item. (Overseas postage is $.15 for each $2.00 unit of order or fraction thereof.)

Back in Print

Portals to Freedom. Howard Colby Ives. This old favorite by a former Unitarian clergyman which has been unavailable for many months is again in print in an attractive, hardbound edition only, especially suitable for this year of 50th anniversary commemorations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit.

Per copy	$3.00

World Religion Day Poster Now Available

Four-color 14 x 20-inch poster intended to publicize World Religion Day (January 20). Space at bottom for date and place of public meeting. Price: 50 cents each, including third-class postage. Send order, with remittance, to Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

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Calendar of Events

FEASTS

December 12 — Masá’il (Questions)

December 31 — Sharaf (Honor)

U.S. STATE CONVENTIONS

December 2

U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

December 10

U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

December 29 — January 1

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Baha’i House of Worship

Visiting Hours

Weekdays

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Auditorium only)

Sundays and Holidays

10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Entire building)

Service of Worship

Sundays

3:30 to 4:10 p.m.

Public Meeting

Sunday, December 16

4:15 p.m.

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BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published for circulation among Bahá’ís only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í World Community.

BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee: Mr. and Mrs. P. R. Meinhard, Managing Editors; Mrs. Eunice Braun, International News Editor; Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot, National Spiritual Assembly Representative.

Material must be received by the twentieth of the second month preceding date of issue. Address: Bahá’í News Editorial Office, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.

Change of address should be reported directly to National Bahá’í Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.